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  • From: "Rob Wallbridge" <rob AT songberry.ca>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Biodegradable plastic
  • Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:29:07 -0400

Hi Pam,

 

Somewhere out there there’s a research article on using biodegradable mulches in strawberry production. I saw a reference to it last winter, but never tracked down the actual article. As for the heavy mulch itself, you could try contacting Eric Menard at Dubois – 1-800-667-6279 ext.227 – I don’t really know much more about it.

 

Our certifier has approved the Mater-Bi, but not the Eco-One. I love it for my winter squash crop – lay the plastic, transplant, maybe cultivate the pathways once if I have time, then come back in the fall to harvest. I’ll have to try mulching my peppers with old hay – sounds like a good idea.

 

Cheers,

Rob

 

Rob Wallbridge

Songberry Organic Farm

24 Sixth Line, Bristol, QC J0X 1G0

email: rob AT songberry.ca

web: www.songberry.ca

facebook: become a fan of "Songberry Organic Farm"

 


From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Pam Twin Oaks
Sent: Saturday, July 10, 2010 8:37 AM
To: Market Farming
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Biodegradable plastic

 

Rob Wallbridge said:
"I've also heard that they've
developed a much heavier film designed to last more than one season, and I
may try that out next year with some strawberries."

Rob - any more info on that? This sounds like just what I need!

We have used the Mater-Bi and also the Eco-One bioplastic. We have rocks, uneven soil, Bermuda grass, drip tape in contact with the plastic, and - wait for it - we lay it by hand. We love it! Yes, it gets ragged. Yes, there are still some shreds around next year. But. it does suppress weeds, it does warm the soil, and it saves a whole lot of work. It's especially good for vining crops that will cover it all up and need no further attention for the season. We also use it for peppers, and later cover the plastic with spoiled hay, once the soil is warm and the bioplastic starts to get seriously ragged.

We were given some to try by some organically-certified neighbors, when it was decided it wasn't certifiable in our region. I really recommend people get a small amount to try, or go somewhere and look at it in use. It's odd stuff. Perhaps co-buy a roll with other growers. It's worth trying. We bought from Nolt's Produce in PA. They don't have a website, and I haven't got the phone number right with me. They are Mennonite, I think, and there are similar companies in other states. Martin's in Kentucky, for example. I think Robert Marvel Plastics also sells it.

Pam, Twin Oaks Community, Louisa, VA. Where it is suddenly raining after a 3 week drought.

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